KNOWING WHEN TO FOLD: EDUCATIONAL TOOLS AND LEGISLATIVE BEST PRACTICES FOR RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING IN THE EUROPEAN UNION
V.C. Soare
Gambling poses significant risks, particularly among young people, necessitating effective educational tools and legislative measures to mitigate these dangers. This paper examines the current educational programs and methods used to identify and intervene in problematic gambling behaviors, emphasizing the importance of early education. By analyzing best practices from various European Union countries, including Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, Romania and the United Kingdom, we highlight successful models of strict regulation and comprehensive educational initiatives. Through case studies and impact evaluations, this research underscores the critical role of collaboration between educational authorities and gambling regulation bodies. The findings advocate for the development and implementation of robust educational programs in schools and universities, alongside harmonized legislative approaches at the EU level. Additionally, this paper stresses the importance of community and family involvement in educating about the risks of gambling. The goal is to provide a framework for preventing gambling addiction and fostering healthier attitudes towards gambling among future generations.
Keywords: Gambling, Legislative practices, Responsible gambling, Addiction prevention, Vulnerable groups.